Effect of Radiation, Organic Solvents and Vibration Occupational Exposure on the Thyroid Disease: Results from Project ELEFANT

Abstract

Thyroid disease is one of the leading endocrine disorders. Occupational exposure to radiation and organic solvents are known to be risk factors, but much less is known about the effect of vibration exposure on thyroid disease risk. The aim of this study was to examine associations between occupational exposure to radiation, organic solvents and vibration in relation to thyroid disease risk and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. We utilized Project ELEFANT, comprising 124,286 participants from Tianjin, China. Medical records including thyroid disease history were collected, and TSH levels were measured in women by automated immunometric assay. In logistic models adjusted for confounders, exposure to radiation (odds ratio, OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7), organic solvents (OR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-2.9) and vibration (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 2.0-8.75) were significantly associated with increased risk of thyroid disease. TSH concentrations in female participants (median: 1.95 and 95% CI: 2.45-2.77) were associated only with vibration exposure (ß: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.07-4.54). Our data showed for the first time that vibration exposure is associated with increased risk of thyroid disease and raised TSH hormone levels. If confirmed in other cohorts, thyroid examinations should be conducted in workers exposed to vibration in the workplace.